We have been praying for 12 mighty, godly leaders to be raised-up and help with the church planting efforts here in South Central Los Angeles. It is not time to stop praying yet, we are still in the process of raising-up and training these men, women and children. But it is exciting to see the maturing and growth that is taking place.
Back in June Chad led a group of twelve men to a weekend retreat (some of which are pictured below). God continues to move powerfully in these men’s lives. Let us share a few tidbits of their journey (names have been changed):
Mateo has begun dreaming about doing more for God, but until recently had not taken any decisive steps in that direction. With some encouragement from us and the initiative he needed to take himself he is now in the middle of his first Bible school class at The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI). The course is challenging him in all the right ways to become the leader God is calling him to become.
Vincente left a life of drugs and alcohol and is watching God redeem years of lost time and heal the many wounds left in the life of his family from his past. He has a clear mind, loves the Word of God and wants to raise his children to know and serve God.
Samuel came fighting for his marriage and things have not gotten easier, but he is stronger and the other men are coming around him to support him. When we met him years ago he was not yet ready for this change, but now he is lifting His arms up to God for help and growing in faith.
Oscar use to avoid God and Christians and now is stepping up as a godly leader in his home and taking more responsibilities at the church. He loves to share our Sunday messages with his co-workers and has great vision for his children to worship and serve God their whole lives. While financially not easy he has taken time off work at times to be with his family and participate in church activities showing that he is putting God first in his life and learning to trust Him more.
George is a man that we have been able to open some doors of opportunity and speak vision and direction too. We see that he is a Bible teacher and future church planter. He has been a blessing as he has raised the level of spiritual maturity in the group by his example.
So much has happened this last month with the women and the children during our special summer activities and through the different summer camps too! There just is not enough space to share everything. We rejoice that God is moving through the lives of so many people and making disciples as we partner together in prayer and continue to press on for these precious lives.
Let’s keep pressing in through prayer – it makes all the difference!
Chad & Fabiola
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment